Posts by tag: 900

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Featured Listing August 4, 2022 posted by Norman

Featured Listing – 1995 Triumph Speed Triple

Today, showroom floors, Facebook marketplace, bike shows, and twisty roads are all littered with 3 cylinders. It’s arguably the most desirable engine layout available today for your everyday rider but this wasn’t the case until the mid-2010s. For many years enthusiasts were drawn to big horsepower numbers and while the Japanese were spoon feeding them dumbed down supersport engines, Triumph was perfecting what has become the most balanced engine layout out there today. Today at RSBFS, we’re taking you all the way back to the beginning stages of Triumph’s 3 cylinder lineage with a 1995 Triumph Speed Triple.

After the 750 triple bolted to the Trident ran it’s course, the Hinckley-based outfit decided that stroking out the motor another 10mm is the kick in the ass that would take their streetfighter to the next level. However, when it comes to classic motorcycles, it’s never made sense to focus on technical specs. They’re all heavier and slower than the metal you can go out and buy today. What this engine improvement brought was more torque which ultimately made the bike a lot more streetable and punchy. Riders have loved triples because they pull smoothly to redline but still have a sporty feel. That is exactly the formula Triumph was dialing in but how can we be sure they were on the right path? If you have any doubt, I’m not sure this post or this bike can convince of you anything so head down to your Triumph dealer for the answer.

When people say naked bikes are a bit more streetable, they aren’t only referring to the engines but also the ergonomics. One of the intriguing aspects of the Speed Triple is that notion was completely ignored. The designers wanted this to literally be a naked version of their Daytona but with a cafe twist. You can see the pegs are relatively close to the seat but the clip-ons have been removed in pursuit of comfort by the seller. Fortunately, the clip-ons are included in the sale if you wish to experience this bike in it’s original form. The seller has also fitted a set of Micron slip-ons which are absolutely necessary for triples to deliver the Grammy-winning soundtracks they are known for.

From the seller:

36mm flat slide CV carbs. 5 speed gearbox. This bike is fast and sure-footed. And then there is the sound…. The bellow of this triple at speed through the Micron carbon fiber exhaust canisters is incredible! To make the overall riding experience a bit more comfortable, a set of Woodcraft clip-on risers was installed. Creates approximately 3″ of rise without detracting from the bike’s appearance. The original clip-ons are included in the sale. Also provided is the optional, color matching, rear seat cowl. Optional center stand is mounted on the bike. All bodywork mounting pegs are intact and unbroken. This machine has received considerable attention on maintenance work. The carbs have been removed and rebuilt with all new seals, fuel lines, cables and intake boots. New air box and air filter. New battery, Dunlop tires, drive chain, speedo cable, etc. Rebuilt front forks with new seals. Fresh engine oil and a new oil filter. Shouldn’t need anything else except a very twisty road in front of it…. Comes with a comprehensive collection of factory literature including an owners manual, service manual, parts catalog, small and large sales brochures and a quite rare 1995 Triumph advertising campaign launch kit capturing the return of the Triumph brand back into the US that year.

A lot of enthusiasts complain that the Triumphs of this era were heavy. While that may be true, tip toeing around a track was never main the use case for the Speed Triple. However, Triumph didn’t shy away from the challenge that the track posed to their bikes. They hosted a single-make series around the UK where competitors would sling the Speed Triple through some of Britain’s most famous circuits such as Donnington and Caldwell. After watching these riders hustle the Triumph around Donnington you’ll realize that whole weight thing…well that’s only an issue if you haven’t got any muscle.

The Triumph Speed Triple is essentially the rookie card for many of the modern triples today. It was the blueprint for manufacturers who were looking to go put a street-oriented offering that can float around the city or carve up a b road. Our seller today has that rookie card and it’s great condition. Many of the items one would expect to address in an older bike have been sorted leaving you with no to-do list prior to startup. Nothing to complain about cosmetically as well. A true turnkey example with paint that will pop in any garage or on any road.

The seller is asking $5,900. Reach out at 336-408-9451 with any questions!

-Norm

Featured Listing – 1995 Triumph Speed Triple

Triumph June 25, 2022 posted by Norman

Big Boned – 1995 Triumph Daytona 900 Super III

1995 Triumph Daytona 900 Super III

In the early 1990s and 2000s, the British were never really able to compete in the race to have the fastest or lightest bikes. The business had hit a bit of rough patch and had them playing catchup to other manufacturers but that didn’t stop them from finding their niche and creating faster and faster bikes. The Daytona 900 Super III is a good point of reference in their ascent as it illustrated their ability to make a good bike a even better and also the early stages of life for the now infamous Daytona.

After Triumph opened it’s shiny Hinkley factory in 1990, they released released a number of models including the 750 triple and followed that up with the 900 triple. The Daytona 900 was a good bike at the time for Triumph. Its engine differentiated it from Japanese competitors and that certainly made it an interesting option for buyers but it was never on the same level of performance. To make the bike a bit more relevant on the international stage, Triumph iterated on the Daytona with the 900 Super III even if it only had 800 units to show for it.

The Daytona 900 Super III certainly did not have an exotic redline or top speed but the original engine was reworked for the Super III with the help of Cosworth. Cosworth reworked the heads and used higher compression pistons along with a proper tune to pump out an extra 18 hp out of the 900 triple. With more power, you also need more brakes and Triumph addressed that by adding two more pots to each caliper.

From the seller:

“1995 Triumph Daytona Super 111. Rare and highly collectable, this 1995 Triumph Daytona Super 111 is one of only 800 produced between 1994 and 1996. Only 170 were imported into the U.S. The bike is completely stock, in mint condition and has only 13,405 miles showing on the clock. This motorcycle is a prime example of Triumph’s Superbike from 1995. Produced from 1994 through 1996 in very limited numbers, with engine tuning by Cosworth, this 885cc triple is rated at 115 horsepower, with an estimated top speed of nearly 150mph. This bike was just taken out of dry storage after 20 years. It is ready to roll, quick, and nimble…”

The additional power and brakes made the Daytona a much more responsive motorcycle on the street where easy power is king. The biggest gripe with this bike was always the power to weight but that’s a problem most of us face ourselves at one one point or another. Triumph didn’t design this motorcycle exclusively for the track and the weight only added to its street competency on windy British B roads.

Overall, this bike seems to be in very good condition with virtually no cosmetic defects. The seller mentioned the bike has been in dry storage for quite some time so it may need some parts refreshed here and there. As far as price and value, the bikes were rare and the US only saw 170/800 examples. RSBFS had one up in 2021 so they still come up from time to time. $3-$5K seems to be the going range for past examples and the seller’s reserve is at the upper limit and has seen no bids.

-Norm

Big Boned – 1995 Triumph Daytona 900 Super III

Triumph April 7, 2022 posted by Doug

1995 Triumph Speed Triple with only 1,948 miles For Sale!

Make: Triumph
Model: Speed Triple
Mileage: 1,948
BIN Price: $5,600
Location: Weston, Connecticut

Along about the time Motley Crue’s John Corabi was belting out Hooligan’s Holiday Triumph’s John Bloor was getting busy rebuilding their brand with their own Hooligan- the 855cc Speed Triple. Much like Corabi and The Crue, Bloor’s Hooligan Speed Triple looked the part, but didn’t really have it where it counted. It’s well documented that these early Speed Triples are top heavy, down on power, ill handling and have mushy brakes, but these checked all of the boxes for the nostalgic Triumph fans. Black, British and dare I say quirky? You see, if folks didn’t like old things there would be no Rare Sport Bikes For Sale. People have fond memories of days gone by and still lust after the one that got away (No, I’m not talking about that hot thing from high school).
Today’s 200hp, fire breathing motorcycles are leaps and bounds better than my beloved ZX-7R’s with their torture rack riding position and quirky flat slide carbs, but I/we still love and desire them. Right?

From the seller
Extraordinary rare example of the 1995 Triumph Speed Triple with low mileage <2000 miles a 2rd owner well maintained, great running bike. High performance carburetors re: flat slide Keihin smooth bore Venturis jetted and matched to the carbon fiber mufflers. This bike is a hotrod when compared to its modern day incarnation and sounds really good when twisting it open and bracing against the acceleration. New tires (<200 miles). Fresh brake fluids, oil, filter, spark plugs. Battery tender. Only racing fuel used. Toolkit under seat. The move to high performance carburetors deleted the choke and changed the direction of the fuel selector. A couple pulls of the throttle primes and a couple press of the starter fires her up. I purchased this bike ~2 years ago and had the mechanic, who had maintained this bike as part of the prior owner's collection, go over the bike, replace the battery, fluids and throw on new tires. I added a battery tender, replaced a grommet where the seat frame meets the rear body and performed seasonal service (all genuine Triumph parts). It sits up on a Abba motorcycle stand, attached to a battery tender when not out on the road.

Very, very nice and according to the seller- she’s ready to Rock-n-Roll!

Is a 1995 Speed Triple your one that got away? If so, this one might be for you!

Make the jump here for a walk down memory lane!

Cheers!

Doug

Ducati April 1, 2022 posted by Mike

A Super Supersport: 1983 Ducati 900 NCR

It may be April 1st, but this is no foolish prank here. This is a beautiful, exotic and rare NCR build of a Ducati 900 bevel. If you are a sport bike fan this should pique your interest. If you are a performance fan, this is the blueprint of how to get it done. If you are collector, a NCR build should be on your list. If you are an art lover, here is an oil painting that you can roll around. If you are none of the above, seriously, what are you doing here??!

1983 Ducati 900 NCR for sale on eBay

Nepoti & Caracchi Racing (originally Nepoti, Caracchi & Rizzi) is better known in Ducati circles as NCR. The little Italian firm might be best known for Ducati performance and as an extension of the Bologna brand’s racing division. Today NCR continues to be a builder and fabricator of some note, and offers custom bike builds for well-heeled buyers. Today’s example starts off with a rare Daspa frame, a chrome-moly example from yet another small, Bologna craftsman shop that produces lightweight frame sets. From there, high quality components are hung in the right places, with nothing extra to pollute the potential performance gains of minimalism. Colin Chapman would approve.

From the seller:
Ducati 900 NCR Daspa frame

Very rare motorcycle with a daspa monoshock frame, verlicchi swingarm, NCR exhaust. The bike works perfectly and starts at the first kick, hot or cold.

40 dell’orto carburettors, mechanical rev counter, new tank with restom treatment. The bike accelerates and brakes perfectly. A rare opportunity to acquire this piece of Ducati history.

Bike is located in France. Can ship worldwide.
No registration

NCR builds are rare when we do see them; they are often found beyond the US shores. This particular bike is located in the south of France. The asking price is right up there – as you would expect from a rare NCR build. The Buy It Now is set at $28k USD. The seller is open to offers, so there might be room to move on that number. Check out all of the details here, and enjoy this drool-worthy specimen. Good Luck!!

Ducati August 8, 2021 posted by Mike

The Other Desmo: 1979 Ducati 900 Super Sport Darmah

Shout out to our returning resident writer for the spot on this one. Doug came across this 900 SSD and knew it was significant – but was too occupied redlining his 1990s memory lane exploits to write it up. Rock on with your neon pastels, Captain, I’m all too happy to step in and share one of the most rare Desmos you might find on the GoogleTubeBay!

The late 1970s were difficult for the Bologna brand. For while Ducati clearly made a name with their 750cc green frame Super Sport, winning races and generally being the upstart Italian in a decidedly Japanese technology buffet, showroom success continued to be elusive. Ducati attempted to enter the mainstream market with the 860 GT, but when that failed to chart they evolved it into the 900 Sport Darmah in 1977. A further evolution was created, known as the 900 Super Sport Darmah – or SSD – which is what you see here. A sharper version of the Sport Darmah, the SSD featured some engine enhancements for more power, the sport fairing, and lower clip-on bars. With relatively few Ducatis of this era making it to the US, and even fewer of the SSD variant being made at all, this is a bit of a unicorn of the bevel-drive set.

1979 Ducati 900 Super Sport Darmah for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Low mileage 1979 SS Darmah. Ive got way too many projects and this poor bike just sits and gathers dust so Im selling it.Getting a little too old for the riding position as well…. Brand new battery,stored with Cam 2 fuel,will need tires asap.tough decision . Because of age,bike is sold as is

There is no doubt that the Bologna factory produces products that exude sex appeal. Ducatis have often been noted as performance artwork. Therefore it should be no surprise that Ducati farmed out some of the design to Italdesign studio and Giorgetto Giugiaro. Known for designing some of the most stunning automobiles in history, Giugiaro worked on sculpting….. the engine cases. Yes, such was the level of detail that went into this line.

At the end of the day, the Super Sport Darmah was too heavy to be a true sport bike, and too sporty to be a true tourer that the standard Darmah represented. Even the seller notes that the riding position is too aggressive for an older rider. Couple that with relatively slow sales for the brand, competition between the two Darmahs, and bigger competition from the far East, you have a very rarely seen example of a very special bevel. There is not a ton of info from the seller, and the pictures are relatively few. But if you are in the market for something distinctive – and distinctively 70s – this rare 1979 Ducati 900 Super Sport Darmah might just be for you. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati July 19, 2021 posted by Donn

All the Best – 1994 Ducati 900SS/SP

1990’s 900 SuperSports were already more than the sum of their parts, but this SP has been carefully farkled and looks to be ready to go across the valley or even the state.

1994 Ducati 900SS/SP for sale on eBay

Updating their 80’s multi-purpose machines, the 900SS made all the right moves toward a more modern Ducati sportbike – almost a liter in displacement, dry clutch, 6-speed transmission, 320mm brakes, and 17-inch wheels. Easy desmodue valve train, Mikuni carburetors, adjustable suspension, and fairly relaxed ergonomics were icing on the cake. The SP was a U.S. only model, and had the usual 80 hp but extra carbon accents, and the better Showa dampers. Even fully-faired it was trim if not exactly lithe, and rated well in the handling department.

Not sure where this southwest Oregon owner fits in the parade of custodians almost every 1990’s bike has, but this one has some period upgrades, like flat-slide carbs and NLA Staintune mufflers, along with more readily available Öhlins, lower pegs and year-old Pilot Power 2’s. Even with the right side scrape it presents very well, and props to the seller for detailing the heck out of it before taking pictures. Notes from the eBay auction:

WELL TAKEN CARE OF, LOTS OF UPGRADES, STAINTUNE SLIP-ONS WITH DB KILLERS, OHLINS REAR SHOCK, OHLINS INTERNALS IN FORKS, RACE TECH SPRINGS SET UP FOR 200 LB RIDER, NEW MICHELIN PILOT POWER 2 CTS LAST SUMMER, SARGENT SEAT, OHLINS STEERING DAMPENER, LIGHTENED FLYWHEEL, FLAT SLIDE CARBS AND MOTION PRO THROTTLE KIT, NEWER MRA SCREEN, NEWER DUCATI MIRRORS, LOWER PEGS STOCK INCLUDED,RKA PERIOD SEAT BAG, TANK BAG FROM A MONSTER, LESS THAN A THOUSAND MILES SINCE LAST FULL SERVICE, BRAKE FLUSH LAST SUMMER, ONLY NON ETHANOL, STORED IN A WARM GARAGE WITH SMART CHARGER, SMALL ROW OF SCRATCHES LOWER RIGHT FAIRING, INSULATION HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE INSIDES OF THE FAIRING.

A regular subject of “best used bikes” reviews, the 900SS/SP is the bike that got away, from many early owners. More the better for subsequent riders, who have the benefit of the air-cooled desmodue, in a Swiss Army Knife package that even ( well almost ) looks good with luggage.

-donn

Ducati July 6, 2021 posted by Donn

1982 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica

Though its specs didn’t look like much on paper, Ducati’s 1982 tribute to Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man win turned into one their most exciting special editions. Today’s example presents very well, and appears quite original.

1982 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica for sale on eBay

The engine in the MHR is a later development of the Taglioni-designed 750, with bevel-gear driven cams, pre-dating the desmodromic valve train and claiming 80 hp. 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors were protected with racey looking screens, and the 860’s had recently acquired electric starting. Marzocchi supplied forks and shocks, and Brembo brought triple 280mm disks. The wafer-thin fiberglass fairing was painted in a designer’s impression of Hailwood’s 1978 race livery, plenty of room on the seat fairing for race number 12, if the new owner is inclined.

Offered by a Miami specialty dealer, this MHR looks excellent, though no background information is supplied. But for the holes in the fairing, the absent front signals wouldn’t be missed, and a single bar end mirror is installed. Loving the glass bevel gear inspection window, and the basically perfect fairings, though it’s possible they’re spilling the beans about a past restoration. Rather limited comments from the eBay auction:

Mike Hailwood replica in amazing original condition. Rare low mile survivor.

Runs and drives as it should. A great opportunity for a collector as they don’t come up often in this condition.

Mike Hailwood’s win is the stuff of such legend that several different commemoratives have been manufactured – the 1982-86 MHR, the not exactly authorized MH900E, a one-one here and there, and a really faithful – replica – of the race bike. But the original might be the most approachable and even at its level, affordable of the choices. And the principals of Sports Motor Cycles Manchester have relocated to New Zealand, offering their smashing decal in a range of sizes.

-donn

Honda April 8, 2021 posted by Donn

Gen. 2 – 1997 Honda CBR900RR FireBlade

Mid-1990’s Honda heard footsteps and made a major update to the CBR900RR, keeping weight in check with a healthy power increase. Here’s a Tennessee survivor that has been somebody’s baby.

1997 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

One millimeter increase in bore gave the new FireBlade 918cc’s, and a claimed 80 percent new engine resulted in 130 hp. 38mm constant velocity carbs from Keihin remained, and the first four gears moved around a bit ratio-wise. The chassis kept most dimensions but was made lighter but more rigid, leading to reviews of a solid ride. Magnesium valve covers and lightweight alternator helped keep the pounds in check. House forks and monoshock had internal improvements, and a noticeable rise in the bars and seat height gave riders a lighter feel.

This CBR has a light 13,414 miles and shows very well, with only one apparent blemish, maybe a trailering mishap. Sounds like a comprehensive service was done last year, and it has new Battlaxes and newly cleaned fuel system. Except for the exhaust, mods are hard to see. Details from the eBay auction:

A few weeks ago I had new tires put on this bike. (Bridgestone Battlax S21 Hypersport )

Last week this bike went to Honda and had the entire fuel system cleaned including carbs. ($1,200)

I change the oil every other year and last year performed a full tune up including:

– OEM spark plugs
– OEM oil/filter
– OEM coolant
– Motul RFB brake fluid
– Ballistic EVO2 Lithium battery
– OEM choke, clutch, throttle cables

This bike has the many custom accessories including:

– Two Brothers can with fiberglass insulation wrap on the exhaust
– Stage 1 jet kit
– BMC air filter
– Custom undertail
– Galfer steel braided brake lines
– Tinted windscreen
– Valentine One Radar detector wiring with remote screen (wiring and remote screen only – radar detector is being sold with another bike)
– The brake calipers have been powercoated black

I am including the following with the purchase of this bike:

– Honda Shop Manual
– Rear stand (see pics)
– Front stand (see pics)
– Ballistic Battery Charger
– Handle bar strapping harness
– Shoei large helmet
– lots of small powder coated parts

Though its in-between engine meant it wasn’t a racebike equipped for the road, the combination of pretty good power and light weight did the FireBlade well in Formula Xtreme and Formula USA. And won many media shootouts. At half the cost ( or much less ) of a new sportbike, this ready-to-ride survivor might again bridge the supersport to superbike classes for a new generation, or one returning to the hobby after a long delay.

-donn